Gastritis (Inflammation of the Stomach Lining) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
An interesting overview of gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/
Definition
Gastritis in cats is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can lead to various gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. symptoms and can occur both acutely and chronically.
The most important facts at a glance
Gastritis in cats is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can be triggered by various factors. Common causes include eating spoiled food or toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances, as well as infections from bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., viruses, or parasites. Certain medications, such as non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain., can also damage the stomach lining. Long-term conditions like food allergies, stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., or systemic diseases like renal failure can also lead to gastritis.
Symptoms include Vomiting, AbdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, Weight loss, and loss of appetite. For a diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., a thorough medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. is important, and blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. can be used. In some cases, an endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. may be necessary to view the lining directly.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition and may include fasting, easily digestible diets, and medication to reduce stomach acid. Antibiotics may be required for infections. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the cause, but early treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Without treatment, gastritis can lead to serious complications.
To prevent it, you should ensure a balanced diet and limit access to harmful substances. Regular vet visits are important to monitor your cat’s health. A stress-free environment can also help reduce the risk of stomach problems.
Causes
The stomach lining is an important protective layer that prevents stomach acid and digestive enzymes from attacking the stomach tissue. Inflammation of this lining, known as gastritis, can be triggered by various factors.
The most common causes include dietary indiscretions, such as eating spoiled food or toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances. Infections from bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., viruses, or parasites can also irritate the lining. Additionally, certain medications, especially non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. (NSAIDsNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammatory conditions, and lower fever without using steroidal agents. They are a commonly used pain reliever in veterinary medicine.), can damage the stomach lining.
ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. gastritis can also be caused by long-term conditions such as food allergies or intolerances. Furthermore, stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being., such as changes in the environment or the cat’s social structure, can play a role. In some cases, systemic diseases like renal failure or liver disease can contribute to the development of gastritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastritis in cats can vary and often depend on the severity and cause of the inflammation. The most common symptoms include Vomiting, which can be acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time.. The vomit may contain food residue, bile, or even blood, which indicates more severe damage to the lining.
Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, Weight loss, and general malaise or lethargy. Some cats show increased thirst or changes in drinking habits. DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. can also occur in some cases, especially if the gastritis is accompanied by a general gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. illness.
In severe cases, gastritis can lead to dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., especially if Vomiting and DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. persist. This can lead to a deterioration of the general condition and, if left untreated, to serious complications.
Diagnosis
To diagnose gastritis, the vet will first take a thorough medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. to identify possible causes and risk factors. Information about feeding, potential exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to toxins, and the cat’s general health is important here.
A physical exam can provide clues about dehydration, abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, or other systemic issues. Blood tests are helpful to rule out or confirm potential systemic diseases and assess the cat’s overall health.
In some cases, an X-ray or an ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. of the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. may be necessary to rule out other causes for the symptoms, such as foreign bodies or Tumors. A definitive diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of gastritis can be made through an endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes., where a small camera is inserted into the stomach to view the lining directly and take biopsies if needed.
Therapy
Treatment for gastritis in cats depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. In mild cases, a temporary fast of 12 to 24 hours can help settle the stomach. After that, an easily digestible diet is often recommended.
AntiemeticsAntiemetics are medications used to prevent or treat Nausea and Vomiting. In dogs and cats, they are used in various situations, including after surgery, for motion sickness, or for certain conditions that cause Nausea. can be administered as medication to control the Vomiting. Proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists can be used to reduce stomach acid production and protect the lining. Antibiotics may be necessary for infections caused by bacteria.
If a specific cause is identified, such as a food allergy, it’s important to eliminate it and introduce a suitable diet. In more severe cases, a stay at a veterinary hospital may be necessary for intensive fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and further diagnostic tests.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for cats with gastritis depends heavily on the cause and how they respond to treatment. In many cases, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is good, especially if the condition is detected and treated early. For chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. forms or underlying systemic diseases, the long-term prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. can vary.
Without treatment, however, severe gastritis can lead to complications like stomach ulcers or a perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. of the stomach wall, which can be life-threatening. Working closely with your vet is crucial to monitor the course of the illness and make adjustments to the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
Prevention
To minimize the risk of gastritis in cats, it’s important to ensure a balanced and high-quality diet. Avoid sudden changes in food, as these can put a strain on your cat’s stomach. Introducing new types of food slowly and gradually helps avoid digestive problems.
Make sure your cat doesn’t ingest any incompatible or harmful foods. These include spices, fatty foods, and poisonous plants. Ensure that their access to potentially dangerous substances is restricted.
Regular vet visits are crucial to monitor your cat’s overall health and react early to any signs of illness. Vaccinations and deworming should be kept up to date to strengthen your cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body..
StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can affect a cat’s health, so it’s important to create a calm and safe environment. Provide plenty of activity and places to retreat to promote your cat’s well-being. A stress-free environment can help reduce the risk of stomach problems.
Finally, it is advisable to monitor your cat’s access to small objects or toys that could be swallowed, as these can lead to stomach irritation.